January 5, 2026

This Week...

Check out the 2026-2028 Urban Design Roster, join us for two public open houses and apply for concerts in the park. Read on for more!

2026-2028 Urban Design Roster

We’re thrilled to share the lineup of talented artists and designers chosen for the City’s 2026–2028 Urban Design Roster! This roster is a big part of our public art program, helping bring creativity and thoughtful design into Nanaimo’s public spaces and civic projects.

Over the next two years, 28 amazing artists and designers from across B.C. will be on hand to lend their expertise to projects around the city. These professionals were selected through an open call based on their creativity, connection to community and ability to blend art and design with the practical needs of urban spaces.

Want to learn more about the roster and the artists behind it? Check out the details here.

 

Sewer Project Open Houses

Construction is coming to Hammond Bay Road in spring 2026 – and the Regional District of Nanaimo is working with the City of Nanaimo to host two upcoming open houses to share information about the project ahead.

The Departure Bay Pump Station and Forcemain Expansion Project will include the renewal of the pump station at Departure Bay Beach and replacement of four kilometres of forcemain on Hammond Bay Road, between Departure Bay and the wastewater treatment plant at McGuffie Road. It is a critically important project – this infrastructure moves the majority of the City’s wastewater to the treatment plant and it’s at the end of its lifespan.
 

JOIN US: PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES

Wednesday, January 21, 6 to 8 pm

Hungarian Cultural Society
4840 Hammond Bay Rd.

Thursday, January 22, 5 to 7 pm

Departure Bay Elementary School
3004 Departure Bay Rd.

Follow along for the latest updates on the project at: getinvolved.rdn.ca/DB-sewer-project
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Call for Artists NOW OPEN!

The City of Nanaimo's Parks, Recreation and Culture department has begun planning for the 2026 event season and is seeking performers for the popular Concerts in the Park series. Concerts take place between May and August in a variety of locations throughout Nanaimo and aim to enliven our public spaces and animate the parks with local talent. Applications are now open and will be accepted until February 8, 2026.

APPLY TODAY

Dog Licence Reminder

City parks and public spaces are regularly patrolled by Animal Control Services to ensure all dogs and dog owners are acting responsibly so everyone can enjoy public spaces. All dogs over the age of four months are required to have a valid dog licence in the City of Nanaimo.

Did you know? 100% of the fees collected from dog licensing go towards the costs of operating the Nanaimo Animal Shelter, including care and adoption.

Get a $5 discount if you register and pay for your four-legged friend before the end of February.

DOG LICENCE INFO

Kickstart 2026 with Parks and Recreation Programs!

Whether you are looking to ease into 2026 with a new yoga or pilates class, or an invigorating intro to cold water therapy, the Parks, Recreation and Culture team has you covered! With programming for all ages, abilities and activity levels available, the choice is yours! We also have a variety of drop-in options available. Register online at recreation.nanaimo.ca, telephone by calling 250-756-5200 or in-person at any recreation centre. If registered programs don't work with your schedule, visit our drop-in schedules on our website to view them online.

ACTIVITY GUIDE

Active Passes for Sale

Is improved fitness one of your 2026 goals? We have Active Passes for sale! These passes are available in one-month or one-year durations and allow unlimited access to public sessions for swimming, aquafit, skating, weight rooms and gym sports at Oliver Woods Community Centre. Monthly payment plans are available for one-year passes. See page 69 of our Activity Guide for all the details.

Janie's Trips - Storm Watching

Winter time is a great time to storm watch! Join Janie’s Trips for a trip to in Tofino and Ucluelet where she does all the driving and you do all the watching. This trip takes place on Tuesday, January 20. Cost is $75. Register today by calling Parks, Recreation and Culture at 250-756-5200 or online using barcode 152070.

Stay Connected

Be sure to check the City of Nanaimo’s Facebook page and website for updates that need quick attention from Parks, Recreation and Culture. This includes alerts about severe weather, facility closures, program cancellations and other important notices. Staying informed helps you plan ahead and avoid surprises. Visit our online channels regularly to keep up-to-date and ensure you have the latest details when it matters most.
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Will Your Commute Be Affected This Week?

Here’s a list of up-to-date information on City construction projects. For more information on Nanaimo construction projects, visit the current Construction page on the City's website.

  • Construction on Third St and Fitzwilliam St will cease over the holidays and will resume on January 5.
  • Construction on Hammond Bay Rd (between Rutherford Rd and Turner Rd) will cease over the holidays and will resume late February, 2026.
  • Construction on Dickinson Rd (between Groveland Dr and Medd Rd) will cease over the holidays and will resume 5 January, 2026 while crews continue to work on replacing a water pressure reducing valve station. Expect slight delays due to single lane alternating traffic along Dickinson Rd. Avoid delays by taking Schook Rd and Dover Rd as an alternative route.
  • Expect single lane alternating traffic or eastbound lane closures at times on Jingle Pot Road at the intersection of Holland Road. Eastbound traffic watch for possible detour using Holland Road and Ashlee Road.

Note: All businesses in the construction areas are open unless otherwise posted. When approaching construction zones, please make sure to slow down and obey all signage and traffic personnel instructions. Remember that construction zone speed limits are 30 km/hr unless otherwise posted. If you know your commute is taking you through any of the areas below, please allow for additional time and plan ahead.

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
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Work With Us!

We are currently looking for candidates to fill the following positions:

  • Aquatic Supervisor
  • Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Casual Arena Maintenance Worker
  • Building Official
  • Casual Lifeguard/Instructors
  • Casual Clerk Opportunities
  • Casuals - Police Services

JOB POSTINGS
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A view from the Mayor's chair in the Shaw auditorium looking toward the audience

Meetings This Week

Thursday, January 8: Design Advisory Panel Meeting in the SARC boardroom starting at 5 pm.

MEETINGS

 

If you are not able to attend or tune in live, you can always review decisions made at each Council meeting simply by reading the Council Meeting Summaries. These summaries are typically posted the day after each meeting.

COUNCIL MEETING SUMMARIES
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City of Nanaimo news and events

Recap of City News

Community service providers accepting donations for residents affected by fire

City expresses deep thanks for community support following Boxing Day fire

CITY NEWSROOM

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